Tour from Dublin
Tours are priced individually according to the route, group size, distances & hours required, date(s) in question, start & end locations, overnight locations (where applicable) and remaining supply at time of booking.
"Loved, loved, loved the tour, Chloe... the medieval area of Kilkenny is very cool and the round of Smithwick's at Cleere's was just what the doctor ordered..." - NL, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, England
Your private chauffeur guide will collect you from your Dublin hotel this morning. The recommended 09:00 start allows ample time for a leisurely breakfast and for rush hour city traffic to subside. Enjoy a roughly 45-minute drive through Dublin’s leafy suburbs into Co. Wicklow and to our first stop at beautiful Glendalough.
Arriving at Glendalough – your soul will be calmed by the fresh mountain air and beautiful views that surround you. The anglicised name comes from Glen da Locha, Irish Gaelic for the "valley of two lakes". Glendalough is an ancient monastery ruins, founded by St. Kevin in the early 6th Century.
You’ll have approximately 90 minutes at leisure to explore the early Christian crosses and round tower which lie in ruins. Stroll by the lake's edge with the water gently lapping and look out for the local wildlife including the native red deer and red squirrel. Some of our guests who lead busy, urban lives have come away from the valley in tears, moved by its beauty and solitude.
Leaving Glendalough behind us, we’ll enjoy a relaxing drive through the Wicklow countryside – which may be familiar to fans of Hollywood hits ‘Braveheart’ and ‘P.S. I Love You’. Further on, as we enter Co. Carlow – perhaps stop to admire the Brownshill Dolmen ruins which date back over 6,000 years. This ancient tomb is believed to weigh more than 100 tonnes, making it the heaviest in Europe.
Arriving into Kilkenny, your driver will likely drop you beside the castle in the very heart of the old town. Enjoy a stroll along the ancient streets of this city, which was established by the Normans following their invasion of Ireland in 1169 AD.
You will have approximately two and a half hours at leisure to explore the highlights, which include Kilkenny castle, the Black Abbey and St. Canice’s Cathedral. Of course, no visit to Kilkenny would be complete without a visit to the Smithwick’s brewery or one of the traditional pubs to raise a glass of the much-loved red ale, brewed locally since 1710.
We’ll depart Kilkenny taking the scenic route back towards Dublin city. Driving through the luxurious pastures – you are right in the heart of the Golden Vale farming region which comprises counties Cork, Tipperary and Kilkenny.
Some of the most fertile agricultural plains in all of Europe, the surrounding landscapes change with the seasons. Icy blue skies contrasting with vast brown plains in winter, lush green pastures in spring, turning to gold with bales of hay stretching as far as the eye can see in late summer and autumn.
Keep an eye out for racehorses grazing in patchwork fields either side of the motorway, often nursing foals between May and September.
Your chauffeur will return you to the entrance of your hotel or to a pre- agreed location of your choice in central Dublin. Arriving early evening, you will have plenty of time to freshen up and look forward to apéritifs and dining arrangements in the Irish capital.
Hours of 09:00 - 18:00 (or consecutive equivalent) are required for this tour.
Kennedy & Carr recommend:
Perhaps check out Shanahan's (119 Saint Stephen's Green, Dublin 2) for apéritifs and dinner. This Irish American steakhouse, a stone's throw from The Merrion, The Shelbourne and The Westbury occupies a Georgian townhouse overlooking the Green. The Oval Office bar features memorabilia commemorating each US President of Irish heritage, with JFK's Air Force One rocking chair taking pride of place above the bar. Grass- fed Irish beef and harbour fresh seafood with all the classic trimmings. Excellent cocktails, a fine wine list and Irish whiskey to round off the evening. Sláinte!
You will receive your ticket (featuring your booking number) via email immediately at time of booking. There is no need to print the ticket. If you wish, you can simply show it on your phone or tablet.